04 Feb 2023
Sound Bath Permalink
Gong bath in Heraklion, Crete

Gong Bath Therapy: Everything You Need To Know

February 4, 2023

If you’re looking for a way to de-stress and relax, then, a gong bath might just be the solution for you. Gong bath therapy is a type of sound healing that uses gongs to induce deep meditative states for relaxation and stress relief. In recent years, gong baths have become increasingly popular as stress levels continue to rise. In this blog post, we’ll explore what gong baths are, how they work, and who can benefit from them.

What is a Gong?

A gong is a round disk made of copper and tin, and when struck with a mallet, it produces a big, resonant sound that is truly out of this world. Gongs have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including meditation, ceremonies, spiritual growth, and even funerals. Different gongs come in varying sizes and styles, each with its unique sound.

The History of Gongs

Gongs have been around since the 6th century CE, originating in Tibet and spreading to countries such as China, Vietnam, Burma, and Indonesia. These areas were known for producing some of the finest gongs in the ancient world. The process of making a gong was no easy feat, as it required exceptional skill and craftsmanship. In ancient China, only certain privileged families were able to make gongs, and the best ones were made of bronze. The process is quite fascinating and consisted of five stages: pouring, hammering, smoothing, tuning, and polishing. All these stages were crucial in ensuring the gong had a rich, resonant sound.

What is a Gong Bath?

A gong bath is a form of sound bath meditation where participants lie down or sit comfortably while being surrounded by the vibrations and sounds of gongs, crystal bowls, chimes, and other musical instruments. The goal is to promote relaxation, stress relief, and healing through the power of sound. Gong baths originated as spiritual and religious rituals, but they have now become a popular form of group therapy and one-on-one sound healing sessions. These sessions are often held in yoga studios or retreat centers and can be experienced in person, online, or by listening to a pre-recorded gong bath on YouTube. Gong baths provide an opportunity to escape the distractions of everyday life and connect with one’s inner self through the power of sound.

Sound bath in Chania, Crete

Group gong bath in a historical medieval building in Chania, Crete

How Does Gong Healing Work?

During a gong bath, participants sit or recline close to the gong and other sound healing instruments played by the therapist. The sound waves generated by the gongs and other instruments interact with the body, causing physical and mental relaxation and helping to restore balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. Studies have shown that the frequencies produced by the gong can slow down the mind and bring it into a deeper, slower state of vibration. This can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote overall wellbeing.

How long does a gong bath lasts?

Gong baths usually last between 30 and 90 minutes.

Who can attend a gong bath?

Anyone looking for a way to relax or de-stress could benefit from a gong bath. It’s also great if you’re feeling anxious about something specific like work problems or relationship issues. The sound practitioner will ask you to have an intention for the session which you will be able to keep throughout the session. You don’t need any prior knowledge experience to attend a gong bath. All you need is a willingness to try it out and see how sound healing can help you.

Is a Gong Bath Safe for Everyone?

Gong baths are generally safe for most people, but if you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s always best to check with your doctor before participating. Some people may be sensitive to loud sounds and may find gong baths to be uncomfortable.

What should I wear to a gong bath?

Some people prefer to wear loose-fitting clothing or yoga attire, while others prefer to wear something more cozy and warm. My suggestion is to wear your most comfy clothes so that you can relax easily.

How should I prepare myself for a gong bath?

Before and after a gong bath, it is important to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins that may be released during the experience and to enhance your body’s ability to absorb the sound waves. I usually advise participants to have a clear intention for the session, whether it be to heal from a specific trauma, release a feeling, or simply relax and de-stress. I also suggest avoiding coffee and alcohol on the day of the gong bath and to not consume large meals before the session, allowing at least 2 hours for digestion. Arriving a few minutes early will give you time to get comfortable and find a suitable spot to lie down or sit.

Are there any precautions I should take before or after a gong bath?

After the bath, I always advice the participants to take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid strenuous activities or loud environments. The sound works as a medicine for our ‘system’, so if you give it space it will work for several hour or even days.

What are the benefits of a gong bath?

According to various studies, the following are the benefits of a gong bath:

  1. Stress reduction: Gong baths have been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and promote relaxation.
  2. Improved sleep: Participants in gong bath studies have reported improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms of insomnia.
  3. Increased mindfulness: Gong baths can help to increase mindfulness and promote a meditative state, leading to improved overall well-being.
  4. Reduced anxiety: Participants in gong bath studies have reported reduced symptoms of anxiety, including decreased levels of worry and nervousness.
  5. Improved mood: Gong baths have been associated with improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression.
  6. Pain relief: Gong baths have been shown to reduce pain and improve overall well-being in patients with chronic pain conditions.
  7. Improved immune function: Gong baths have been associated with improved immune function, including increased production of cytokines and natural killer cells.

Overall, gong baths offer a holistic approach to promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.

How Often Can You Participate in a Gong Bath?

There’s no set rule for how often you can participate in a gong bath, but most people find that once a week or once a month is a good frequency. The length of a gong bath typically ranges from 30 to 90 minutes.

In conclusion, gong baths are a unique and effective way to promote relaxation, stress relief, and healing. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want to unwind, a gong bath is definitely worth a try. So why not give it a go and see how it can benefit you!

And some info about Gong enthusiasts

How Are Gongs Made?

Gongs are handcrafted instruments that are typically made from hammered metal, such as bronze, brass, or copper-based alloys. It’s amazing how each gong has its own distinct sound and produces its own set of overtones and sound tones. The larger the gong, the more multilayered and rich the sound is.

Gong Bath: everything you need to know

Gong making

Popular Gong Makers

Here are some of the most recognized gong makers from around the world:

  • Paiste
  • Oetken Gongs
  • Meinl Gongs
  • Tone of Life
  • SONA Sounds
  • Grotta Sonora
  • Sabian
  • Gongland
  • UFIP
  • WOM Gongs
  • Wuhan Haiping
  • Universe Gong
  • Arborea Cymbals and Gongs
15 Oct 2022
Sound Bath, Sound healing Permalink
Sound bath in Chania, Crete
Group gong bath in a historical medieval building in Chania, Crete

Sound Bath: Everything you need to know

October 15, 2022

In the last couple of years, sound baths have gained great popularity. More and more people show interest in sound healing, and a sound bath can be a great entry point. A sound bath or gong bath, is an excellent way of accessing the benefits of sound waves as therapy for mental, physical and emotions issues you want to work on. It does not require any prior experience, or that you adhere to a set of beliefs. It does not require you to “have faith” or to “believe in” its power to heal. Sound waves are used in conventional medicine in the form of ultrasound and sound vibrations are directed at kidney stones as a non-surgical way of breaking them down.

So what is a Sound Bath?

A sound bath is a sound healing session that you most of the times experience in a group setting. Participants lie on a mat and are bathed and totally immersed in the vibrations and frequencies of different sounds. The exposure in those sounds affects your physical, mental, and emotional bodies and has a great many benefits for most people. Have you ever considered how sounds affect you on a daily basis? You may feel irritated by the city noise or the noises in your own home. Household appliances like tumble driers and dishwashers can have a detrimental effect on your concentration levels and general mood, and usually, you only notice this when the sound ceases. On the other hand, how many times do you feel uplifted by your favorite music or by the gentler sounds of calm waves, trickling water or the breeze in the trees? These 2 simple questions will help you realise how important sound can be for our well-being and overall health.

How Do Sound Baths Work?

To put it simply, sound bath meditation is a way of losing yourself in another world for a time. The frequencies of the various sound healing instruments used in sound bath are tuned in such a way as to affect our chakras and bring our minds into a theta state (Theta brain waves occur when we are in a deeply relaxed state). This is the dream like state we arrive just before falling asleep. Our senses are withdrawn from external influences and the outside world and are focused inwards.

The frequencies produced by the sound healing instruments resonate with similar or identical frequencies of our internal organs, restoring their healthy and harmonious vibration. The sound therapist leading the sound bath may use a wide variety of instruments to address different aspects of healing. Crystal Singing Bowls, Tibetan Singing Bowls and Gongs of differing sizes and types are all popular in both group sound baths and one-to-one sound healing sessions. In addition, they may use drumming, tuning forks, chimes, or their own voice, to produce sounds and vibrations that build up over the course of the sound journey. These resonances are capable of entering our physical bodies and also of altering our consciousness or state of mind.

You may already be familiar with the phenomenon of sound waves which are capable of breaking physical substances such as glass or rock. Similarly, the frequencies used in a sound bath, or other form of sound healing, can break up and disperse energy blockages in the human biofield that may be causing dis-ease, pain, or emotional distress.

Potential Benefits of Sound Bath Meditation

Many people report a feeling of lightness and freedom following a sound bath. Some say that their physical tension melts away with the vibrations of the sound-waves. Others report feelings of euphoria, as though their entire being has been “shaken up and reprogrammed.”

Sound bath healing takes many forms, but the common denominator is the deep and total relaxation it brings to both body and mind. Once this state of relaxation has been achieved, the body’s natural healing mechanisms can begin to realign the energy centers also known as chakras and meridians, stimulate the production of neuropeptides and pave the way for new neural pathways within the physical brain.

According to recent studies some conditions believed to benefit from sound therapy include:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • lack of self-esteem
  • lack of self-confidence
  • muddled thinking or “brain fog”
  • physical pain arising from tension in the muscles of the body, particularly in the head and neck
  • feelings of isolation or detachment from the world around you

How Do I Prepare For a Sound Bath?

As with any new experience, even a positive one, if you know what to expect beforehand this can help to decrease any anxiety or apprehension you may be feeling. Once you have decided to experience a sound bath you will probably want to familiarise yourself with the venue and the sound therapist if you can. This can usually be done online, and if you have any specific questions, you can usually reach your chosen therapist quite easily this way.

Preparing your mind and body for your sound healing experience is always a good idea.  Therefore, before attending a sound bath, you may set an intention for the session. Be clear in your mind about what you would like the outcome to be and use positive language as you form this intention in your mind. Keep your thoughts and words in the present tense. An example of a clear intention might be something like:

“My body is cleared of negative energies and my cells are all illuminated with a clear, white, healing light”.

You may also try different forms of meditation in the comfort of your own home to find out how easily you can relax. Guided meditations are ideal for this, and can also be found online, along with examples of healing sounds from gongs, singing bowls, chimes, drums, didgeridoos, and other instruments. Just allow yourself to listen to the sounds, see if you can feel any effects from their vibrations, and, if so, where in your body they are most prominent. Here is a short sound bath example.

You can find more videos on my Soundhealing YouTube channel.You could also try a guided chakra healing meditation, complete with tones attuned to each of the seven main chakras.

More tips on how to best prepare for the sound bath:

  • Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day of the session
  • If you can, avoid consuming caffeine and/or alcohol on the day
  • Also, attend the sound bath on an empty stomach or simply avoid consuming large meals on the day and allow at least 2-3 hours of digestion prior to the sound bath
  • Wear your most comfortable and loose clothes so that you feel at ease

How to Experience a Sound Bath Meditation Yourself

Bear in mind that the way a sound bath works is through relaxation, on a very deep level. The more you allow your mind and body to sink into a trance-like state the greater the healing effects will be. It is important that you do not put yourself under pressure though, as you cannot force relaxation. Simply be patient, lie in a comfortable position and ensure that you are neither too cold nor too warm. Comfort is the key, so allow yourself to move if you need to.

A useful technique you may use in order to achieve deep states of relaxation is visualisation. While the sound bath takes place, visualise the frequencies of the sounds entering your body through the crown of your head, travelling down into your chest and along each arm. See the energies of the sounds swirling all around your hips and abdomen and then flowing down each leg to your feet. As you allow this to happen, breathe regularly and comfortably and feel your whole body becoming extremely heavy, warm, and relaxed.

You many repeat this exercise as many times as you wish. As time goes on you may well find that you sink ever more quickly into the beneficial state of relaxation required for the sound bath to work its magic.

Sound Healing Instruments Used in a Sound Bath

Some of the instruments you may encounter in a sound bath healing session include:

  • gongs of different sizes
  • drums
  • singing bowls, both crystal and Tibetan (metal)
  • didgeridoos
  • crystal chimes
  • metal chimes
  • tuning forks
  • harps
  • voice – through singing and chanting

This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of what to expect.

Remember that a sound bath meditation, facilitated by a qualified and experienced sound healer, will be many times more powerful than anything you do for yourself at home. Expect to be amazed, uplifted, and empowered by your sound healing experience.

Take a look at the event page to find out all of my upcoming sound bath events in Chania, Crete, and throughout Greece.

14 Feb 2022
Noise pollution, Sound healing, Well-being Permalink
How City Noise Pollution and Sounds Affect Our Health and how to use sound healing to counterpart the effects.
Photo by Nik Shuliahin, taken from Unspash

How City Noise Pollution and Sounds Affect Our Health

February 14, 2022

City noise pollution has become an increasingly pressing issue in recent years. With more and more people moving into cities, the level of noise emitted by cars, buses, construction sites and other sources continues to rise. But did you know that noise pollution can have a negative effect on our health? Numerous studies have shown that city noise pollution can lead to hearing loss and fatigue, as well as a number of other health problems including anxiety and stress.

According to the 2011 report by the World Health Organisation titled ‘Burden of disease from environmental noise’ which collated data from various large-scale epidemiological studies, more than one million healthy years of life are lost every year in Western Europe due to noise-related ill health. Also, according to the European Environment Agency, noise is linked to 12,000 deaths and almost 72,000 hospitalisations each year in Europe alone.

However, it’s not just the sound of loud traffic or construction sites that can affect our health – even softer sounds such as birdsong or music played on a radio at low volume levels can have a positive effect on our wellbeing. In fact, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One, hospital patients who listened to sounds of nature or classical music had shorter recovery times and required less pain medication than those who didn’t listen to music.

In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of city noise pollution on our health and how sound healing can help mitigate these effects. We will also explore ways to protect yourself from noise pollution and loud sounds.

Types of sounds that make up city noise

The different types of sounds that make up city noise pollution include traffic noises such as cars, buses and trains; construction site noise from excavators or other heavy machinery being used nearby; loud music coming out of nightclubs or bars close by; aircraft taking off at an airport near you – this list goes on!

The sound of urban life is often overwhelming, distracting and can cause stress for those who live near it or work in big cities. It makes them feel as if they’re constantly being bombarded by noise pollution which increases stress levels and makes relaxing difficult. However, due to the fact that people tend to get used to their environment, they don’t even notice all this different type of noise around them.

City noise pollution affects our health

The sound of a busy city can lead to stress, anxiety and even depression. In fact, exposure to loud noises can cause loss of hearing which is the most common cause of tinnitus which is linked to anxiety and depression. Furthermore,  researchers have found that people living in noisy areas are more likely to be hospitalised for heart disease and strokes than those who live in quieter places.

Traffic noise, which accounts for most polluting noise in cities, has been found to cause hearing loss, fatigue and cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure. Also, construction site noise can cause sleep disturbance and affect cognitive performance. And aircraft noise exposure has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and psychiatric problems.

Noise pollution can also have a negative effect on our social lives. It can be difficult to have a conversation in a noisy restaurant or bar, and it’s often hard to hear someone speaking to you on the street if there’s a lot of background noise. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Because we are accustomed to loud noises, we have become louder in how we talk in order for others to be able to hear us. At the same time, we tend to listen to music on headphones, watch TV on noisy speakers, and so on and so forth. The truth is that we live noisy lives and we are so used to this lifestyle that we don’t know any other reality.

Ways to protect yourself from city noise pollution and sounds

There are many different ways to reduce the impact of noise pollution on our health, but the most important thing is to be aware of how it affects us. Once we become more conscious of the sounds around us and how they affect us, we can make better choices about how to protect ourselves from them.

There are many different types of sound in our environment, and each one has an effect on us. Some sounds can calm us down while others cause stress; some help improve concentration while others distract from what we’re doing or thinking about at any given moment.

​​So the best and most effective way to protect your health from harmful soundscapes is simply to avoid noisy places and activities. However, there are moments that you won’t be able to avoid exposure to noise. Here are some ways to reduce the noise exposure in your daily life.

  1. Use hearing protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs
  2. Soundproof your space
  3. Avoid crowded loud places
  4. Lower the volume of your phone, TV, radio or music
  5. When you are in loud places like bars or clubs try to stay far away from the speakers
  6. Limit the amount of time you are exposed to loud noises by taking short breaks.

The benefits of living in a quieter environment

Reduced noise pollution leads to better health and wellbeing for everyone. It has been scientifically proven that sounds of nature, and quiet environments reduce stress levels, increase productivity in the workplace, improve concentration at school (especially among children), help with sleep quality, reduce heart rate variability associated with anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress syndrome and many other conditions. You can find plenty of relaxing nature sounds on our Youtube channel.

Living in a quieter environment where there are birds singing, calm waves or river sound can also help us connect with our inner selves and access deeper states of consciousness. It gives us the opportunity to connect with nature, which has been found to be extremely relaxing and rejuvenating.

In short, reducing noise pollution has many benefits for both individuals and society as a whole.

How sound healing can counterbalance the effects of noisy environments

Sound healing or sound therapy is a great way to counter the effects of city noise pollution. Sound healing is the process of using sound frequencies to restore balance within the body and improve wellbeing. Sound healing can be done with instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs, drums, and even human voice. You can look for a sound bath or sound journey around your area. Attending a sound bath or a gong bath can be a great entry point to the world of sound healing as well as sound meditation. If you would like to enjoy a sound healing session from the comfort of your home you can simply listen our sound healing videos on Youtube.

Sound healing can be used for relaxation or stress reduction, as well as pain relief and meditation. It has also been shown to improve immunity, increase endorphin levels in the brain (the body’s natural opiates), reduce anxiety, boost memory recall, and improve sleep quality. You can find more interesting facts about sound healing on this page or on this blog post.

02 Feb 2022
Sound healing Permalink
The Timeless Healing Power of Sound: Everything You Need to Know About Sound Healing
Sound baths, sound healing sessions and sound massage with the Tibetan Singing Bowls in Chania, Crete.

Everything You Need to Know About Sound Healing

February 2, 2022

We often overlook the importance of sound when it comes to our overall wellness. But what if I told you that sound could be used as a powerful healing tool? The truth is that sound can be either beneficial or harmful to our well-being. It all depends on the type and the level of the sound. Take for example the everyday soundscape of a busy city. How do you think the noise and the sounds of the streets affect your overall mood and health? On the contrary, imagine you’re in a forest, listening to the sound of the river and birds singing. How does that feel as a scenario and how do you think such an environment would affect your state? These are just some simple questions to keep in mind before we jump into the world of sound healing. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the positive effects of sound healing on the mind, body, and soul. We’ll also take a look at the history of sound healing over the past centuries and talk about some of the most popular sound healing techniques out there. Finally, we’ll also discuss how you can incorporate sound into your own self-care routine. So let’s get started!

1. What is sound healing and how does it work

Sound healing is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote healing in the body, mind, and spirit. It involves the use of therapeutic sound waves to balance and harmonize the energy of the body. Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air and water, and can be either harmful or beneficial to our health, depending on their frequency and intensity.

When sound waves enter the body, they affect different parts of the organism in different ways. Low-frequency sound waves, for example, can be beneficial to our physical health. These sound waves cause the muscles in the body to relax and release tension and stress. They also help to improve blood circulation which helps with nutrient delivery throughout the body. 

On the other hand, high-frequency sound waves have an effect on our mental state and emotional well-being. They can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost our mood.

2. The History of Sound Healing throughout the centuries

Sound healing can be traced back to the ancient cultures of Tibet, China, India, Latin America, Africa, and even Europe in ancient Greece. In these cultures, the sound was used for ceremonies and as a way to heal various physical, mental, and emotional ailments.

In the last decades, sound healing has become increasingly popular all over the world. Today are now many different sound healing techniques and sound healing instruments that can be used to promote health and well-being. Some of the most popular sound healing instruments used by sound therapists and sound healing practitioners all over the world include Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks, chimes, the monochord, and more.

3. The benefits of sound healing on the mind, body, and soul

Sound Massage with Tibetan Singing Bowls - Manolis Zografakis - Soundhealing Crete

Sound Massage with Tibetan Singing Bowls

So what are some of the benefits of sound healing? There is a large number of scientific studies exploring the effects of sound meditation with the Tibetan Singing Bowls on mood, tension, and well-being. Below I mention some of the most important findings. Sound healing with the use of the Tibetan Singing bowls and gongs could:

  • bring deep relaxation 
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • lower blood pressure
  • reduce fatigue
  • improve sleep quality
  • improve concentration and focus
  • improve mood and emotional well-being
  • improve physical health and vitality
  • Improve mental clarity

3. How to incorporate sound healing into your own life?

Sound is a powerful tool that we can use to take care of ourselves on a daily basis. There are many different sound healing techniques that can be used for relaxation and stress relief. 

  • Humming

The most simple technique, which is also free and available to everyone, is the use of voice. Our voice is one of the most powerful sound healing instruments we have for self-healing. You can simply hum for some minutes a day to bring a sense of peace and harmony within you. Check out this video which explains what is humming and how to do it.

  • Use sound to relax and de-stress

There are plenty of sound healing instruments you could use to relax and de-stress. From the famous Tibetan singing bowls and the gong to the chimes and the crystal bowls, you can definitely find a soothing sound that matches your needs and personality. You could either buy your own sound healing instrument so that you use it whenever you feel like to, or simply search to find youtube videos of those instruments. Luckily, nowadays you are able to find lots of useful sound healing videos on youtube so that you incorporate sound into your own self-care routine. 

  • Use sound to improve sleep quality

There are many sound healing sounds that can be used to improve sleep quality. The most common are sounds of nature, like the sound of the waves, the sound of the river or fire. Also, you might have heard of ASMR, and binaural beats. These are also sounds that bring us to Theta brainwaves state which is the state before falling asleep.

On my channel, you will find plenty of sound healing videos with sounds of nature, sound healing instruments and even ecstatic dance mixes. 

4. The benefits of regular sound healing sessions

If you are looking to experience the full benefits of sound healing, it is recommended that you attend sound healing sessions or sound baths on a regular basis. A sound therapist will be able to provide different sound healing techniques and sounds to restore balance and harmony in your body.

Regular sound healing sessions can help to improve physical health, mental well-being, emotional stability and much more. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of sound healing for yourself, I would recommend finding a sound healer in your area and booking some sessions with them. You might be surprised by how beneficial regular sound healings can be for your overall health and wellbeing.

If you’re in Chania or in Crete and you would like to experience the benefits of sound healing then feel free to contact me to book a sound healing session.

Sound is the source of all creation – Mantak Chia